JERUSALEM, Israel – Syrian forces loyal to President Bashar Assad captured the strategic city of Daara as part of their offensive to take over southern Syria. The fighting has presented both difficulties and opportunities for Israel.

The fierce battles have created yet another humanitarian crisis in the war-torn country. The United Nations estimates 160,000 Syrians have been displaced by the conflict. Drone footage shows the camp that's been set up to house these people. One activist called the conditions "deplorable."

The fighting centered on the southern city of Daara where Syrian troops pounded rebel positions. The offensive combines Syrian ground troops with Russian air power to regain control of southwestern Syria along the Israeli and Jordanian borders – an area that recently had been part of a US-backed truce.

"With regards to southern Syria, we will continue to defend our borders, we will extend humanitarian assistance as much as we can, [but] we will not allow entry to our territory," Netanyahu said.

Following the fighting close to Israel's northern border, the Israel Defense Forces deployed more troops to the Golan Heights and reinforced its current positions with additional armor and artillery.

Along with increasing its military presence, the IDF launched a humanitarian operation to assist Syrians caught in the fighting. In a nighttime operation, the IDF provided 60 tons of aid to displace Syrians. The aid included tons of food, baby food, clothing and shoes sent to an undisclosed location in the Golan Heights.